New beer garden scores $25K PSEG-LI grant

Before the owners of East Meadow-based Garden Social Beer Garden & Kitchen even opened its doors in early November, they had already managed to reduce its startup costs by more than $25,000.

This is all thanks to funding from PSEG Long Island’s Main Street Revitalization program. Through this program and other initiatives, the utility is providing grants and electric bill discounts to businesses moving into commercial spaces that have been vacant for more than a year.

John Keating, the utility’s manager of economic development, said that PSEG-LI “cares about the communities we serve.” And the new initiatives help business districts reduce the number empty storefronts, which can drag down local communities.

“One of Garden Social’s owners is a lifelong resident of East Meadow,” Keating added, referring to Bob Russo, who, according the beer garden’s website and published reports, came up with the idea for the beer garden with his college buddies he met in 1993 at SUNY Oneonta.

“He chose to support his hometown by opening this beautiful restaurant, and that’s what our Main Street Revitalization and Vacant Space Revival Programs are all about—supporting the small business owners who are supporting their neighborhoods,” Keating noted. “This grant provides a head start toward a successful future.”

In 2017, Garden Social took over a vacant storefront in The East Meadow Plaza. Major renovations included Ohio barn wood from the late 1800s, reclaimed brick and warehouse shelving from New York City, and the installation of an elaborate chandelier.

The utility’s program aims to support a business district’s economic vitality and to “optimize the use of existing electric infrastructure,” according to PSEG-LI. Qualifying business can apply for grants for projects that boost a district’s economic stability and growth. These projects include interior renovations, façade improvements, streetscape enhancements and other investments that would bring vibrancy to the area.

The grant “helped us create a neighborhood gathering spot and realize a dream we have had since college,” Dave Boller, Garden Social’s managing partner and founder, said in a statement.

“Putting in energy efficient lighting and air conditioning earned us additional savings on our electric bills, and also helps us help the environment,” Boller added.

When Garden Social held its grand opening on Nov. 9, representatives from PSEG Long Island, the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and government officials were there to congratulate the owners.

It was the chamber of commerce that helped Garden Social secure the grant.

“The last thing anyone wants are vacant locations, and we are happy to say that we are part of the tide changing for the better, especially right here in East Meadow,” said Frank Camarano, East Meadow Chamber president said in a statement.

And by installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems, energy efficient lighting fixtures and by LED bulbs, Garden Social’s owners also took advantage of more than $1,500 in PSEG-LI energy efficiency rebates to help reduce their annual electric usage by more than 4,000 kilowatt hours, and lowering their bill by an estimated $750 per year.

One comment

And who pays for those grants? Is it funded by any government agency? The PSEG-LI energy efficiency rebates are paid by PSEG-LI customers, just look on your billing statement; we pay for all rebates, not PSEG!